Question

Melanin has been called "nature's sunscreen" because of its role as a natural blocker of UV radiation. Which of the following is another property of melanin? Select one:

a. Melanin is present in lower levels in highly pigmented skin than in lightly pigmented skin.

b. The presence of melanin speeds up the breakdown of folate.

c. Women with high levels of melanin are less likely to get rickets.

d. The convergent evolution of deeply pigmented skin in different human populations has been driven by multiple mutations in the melanin gene.

Answer 1

Ans:The convergent evolution of deeply pigmented skin in different human populations has been driven by multiple mutations in the melanin gene.

a.Melanin is present in higher levels in highly pigmented skin therefore statement one is wrong.

b. Folate undergoes photodegradation upon exposure to UV rays from sunlight and melanin absorbs UV hence presence of melanin lowers the degradation of golate hence option two is wrong.

c. Rickets is caused due to Vitamin D deficiency Vitamin D is synthesised by the skin in presence of sunlight .Higher levels of melanin reduce UV exposure of the skin and hence less vitamin D production. Therefore women with high levels of melanin are more likely to get rickets hence option c is wrong.